Mapping Out the Path From a 2.7 GPA to Med School | OldPreMeds Podcast Ep. 245

Which is the bigger priority for a nontraditional premed—getting your GPA over a 3.0 or crushing the MCAT? How many credits of good grades do you need to show med schools you're ready? Let's answer a question from a student who's deciding on their path before applying to med school!

First, be sure to check out http://mappd.com for Mappd, a premed app that's changing the premed landscape, especially for nontraditional students!

As always on the OldPreMeds Podcast, our question this week is taken from our nontraditional premed forum. (Ask your own questions at http://premedforums.com.)

Our question comes from a nontraditional premed with a completed bachelor's degree and a 2.7 cumulative GPA. They have completed all the med school prereqs in a DIY post-bacc program, getting a 3.9 GPA in those classes.

To raise their total GPA the rest of the way to 3.0, they'd have to take 14 credits each semester in the next year, leaving not much time for MCAT prep. Since they're also working a full-time job, should they prioritize this further GPA repair or MCAT prep?

I give my feedback and also mention a 3rd potential option of what they could do. I share my thoughts about deciding when you should apply and when to push back your application a year.

Also, how long does your "Upward Trend" really need to be to consider your low GPA "fixed" and "overcome"? And how do you decide between these different paths?

Lastly, I share some overall precautions about MCAT prep, application prep, what to be ready for, and what to avoid!

If you found this video helpful, be sure to subscribe and check out all our Meded Media podcasts at http://premedpodcasts.com.